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Monday, November 8, 2010

SB LiMotive, the joint venture of Samsung SDI and Bosch, has been awarded the business to supply the lithium-ion battery packs for the Fiat 500EV, which will be launched in the U.S. market in 2012.

The Fiat 500EV, which demonstrates the benefits of the Chrysler and Fiat alliance, will be an environmentally friendly, clean, and quiet vehicle for the U.S. subcompact passenger car market.

The Fiat 500EV powertrain is comprised of three main systems: high power electric powertrain module, advanced lithium-ion battery and an EV control unit to manage power flows. All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler Group headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Vehicle pricing and other specifics will be announced closer to the Fiat 500EV launch.

According to Dr. Joachim Fetzer, Executive Vice President of SB LiMotive, “Chrysler indicated that SB LiMotive earned this business because we can supply high-quality lithium-ion battery packs in the quantities needed, on-time to the market. Additionally, SB LiMotive has the technical expertise Chrysler will require as it launches this important program. Our established global footprint was a further strong point in our favor. We look forward to partnering with Chrysler in bringing this exciting new vehicle to market.”

The battery packs are developed in Orion, Mich.; the battery cells will be produced in Korea; and the battery packs will be assembled in Springboro, Ohio.

In an effort to intensify the benefits of the alliance between Chrysler LLC and Fiat Group in electrification of powertrain, Fiat 500EV will be an outstanding example. The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology. Chrysler is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group.